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Convention of 1800
The Convention of 1800 otherwise known as the Treaty of Morfontaine, is signed with France. The Treaty places American-French trade on most-favored-nation basis and acknowledges the neutural right concept of "free ships free goods" American shippers, as neutrals in the war between France and Britain are allowed to carry non-contraband goods to British ports without interference from the French. -
Louisana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson purshed the Louisana Purchase on April 30, 1803 -
Impressment
During 1803 the British began praticing impressment. The British began to impress American sailors and forced them to work n British ships. Impressment came to be one of the triggers that lead into the War of 1812. -
Berlin Decree
France issues the Berlin Decree, announcing a blockade against Great Britain and declaring that all ships engaging in commerce with Britain will be subject to seizure. This will be followed by the Milan Decree of 17 December 1807, declaring that the ships of any nation acquiescing in Britain's orders in council will be seized. -
Pinkney Treaty
American envoys James Monroe and William Pinkney negotiate a treaty with Great Britain in an attempt to improve trade and diminish maritime tensions. The United States seeks increased commercial access to British markets in the West Indies and the revision of British policies on neutral shipping and impressment. While Britain makes some concessions on trade, it refuses to relinquish the right to stop foreign vessels and search their crews for deserters from the British navy. -
Madison Elected
The Electoral College selects James Madison as the fourth president of the United States. Madison receives 122 votes; Federalist candidate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney receives 47. George Clinton, a second Republican candidate representing a northern branch of the party, receives 6 votes. Clinton also receives a majority of the second ballots and is elected vice-president. -
Non-Intercourse Act
Thomas Jefferson signs the Non-Intercourse Act, passed by Congress to replace the embargo passed in December 1807. This new act legalizes trade with all nations except Great Britain and France, and authorizes the president to re-open trade with either or both of those countries if they revise their maritime policies and recognize American claims to neutral shipping rights. -
Macon's Bill
Congress passes Macon's Bill No. 2 to replace the Non-Intercourse Act. This new bill authorizes the president to reopen trade with both Great Britain and France. It further authorizes the president to impose trade restrictions on either country if the other modifies its trade policies before 3 March 1811. Should one country agree to allow American commerce to operate without interference. -
The War of 1812
The Senate, by a vote of 19-13, passes the declaration of war against Great Britain requested by President James Madison. Two weeks earlier, the House of Representatives passed a similar war measure by a vote of 79-49. -
Massachusetts and Conneticut Refuse War
The governor of Connecticut, Roger Griswold, announces that his state's militia will not serve in the war against Britain. Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong will similarly refuse to commit Massachusetts state militia to the war effort on 5 August 1812. -
Surrender of Detroit
The first major battle of the War of 1812 ends in disaster for the United States when General William Hull, leading an American army of 2200 men, surrenders to British forces at Detroit without firing a shot. Hull will be courtmartialed for cowardice and sentenced to death, but the 61-year-old Revolutionary War veteran will be pardoned by President James Madison.
